The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > London > Oil and gas

The energy and natural resources experts at Allen & Overy LLP advise the firm's enviable client roster of national oil companies (NOCs), international oil companies (IOCs), independent oil and gas companies, and funders on the entire life cycle of assets in the sector, from consenting and planning through to construction, financing and operation, and ultimately their refinance or sale. In recent highlights, Gareth Price's team continued to advise on the $6bn Bapco modernisation project in Bahrain, and the Rovuma liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique. John Geraghty, who has extensive experience in international transactions, Andrew Castle and Troy Edwards are also key contacts. Ed Moser was recently promoted to partner and Conrad Andersen departed to Latham & Watkins.

Ashurst's oil and gas practice is trusted by supermajors, smaller IOCs, NOCs, service providers, banks and national governments to handle the full gamut of matters, including midstream and upstream M&A, alternative financing, LNG import agreements and high-stakes dispute resolution. Michael Burns co-heads the global practice and is based in London with financing expert Huw Thomas and the highly recommended Julia Derrick. Senior associate Quentin Robinson recently acted on significant project development mandates in Africa.

Clients have continued to seek out the advice of Clifford Chance LLP's oil and gas team on a number of sophisticated, landmark disputes and transactions, such as Engie on the sale of its portfolio of upstream LNG assets to Total for $2bn. Also notable is the group's advice on sanctions, antitrust, cyber security, and large political and regulatory shifts in the economies of emerging markets. Graham Phillips and dispute resolution and arbitration expert Alex Panayides co-head the broad practice, which includes dedicated construction and environment sub-groups.

Dentons' oil and gas offering covers the full value chain both at home and abroad under the joint leadership of Danielle Beggs and David Tennant. The firm's recent caseload includes, in particular, big-ticket corporate transactions and major project development matters in challenging jurisdictions. In Aberdeen, the firm recently welcomed counsel Kenny Paton from Webber Wentzel, who now leads the oil and gas team. Charles Wood, whose areas of expertise include LNG and gas projects and sales, is also a key contact.

The oil and gas team at DLA Piper is best known for upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas transactions, especially when it comes to the acquisition of producing and exploration assets, refinery and pipeline financings and acquisitions, and LNG terminals and related projects, and politically sensitive international energy sector disputes in emerging markets. The contentious facet of the practice is jointly led by James Carter and Philip Chong and has developed a significant expertise in gas pricing and pipeline rights arbitration cases for clients such as Gazprom. Charles Morrison specialises in Africa-related work, and Dimitri Papaefstratiou has extensive experience in international matters.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's client base includes supermajors, independents, financial buyers, traders, Asian corporates and banks. The oil and gas team, led by Lewis McDonald, who recently relocated from the Tokyo office, handles corporate, finance and specialist work. The team also has an impressive contentious offering; James Baily has expertise in cross-border and gas and LNG price review disputes, among other areas. In recent highlights, the group acted for BP in a multibillion-dollar inter-conditional UK-Alaska transaction between the client and ConocoPhillips, which constitutes one of the first such international transactions between two global energy majors in the past 20 years. Other key contacts include Reza Dadbakhsh, who handles M&A, cross-border transactions and entries into mature and emerging markets. Stephen Murray retired from the profession.

The multi-disciplinary oil and gas team at Latham & Watkins advises a diverse mix of investors, ranging from private houses and NOCs to banks and oil majors, as well as governments and service providers. The team is particularly strong in the cross-border M&A space but covers the full gamut of matters, including dispute resolution, anti-bribery issues and sanctions. The London team is jointly led by corporate expert Simon Tysoe and Islamic finance and Middle East specialist Craig Nethercott. Kem Ihenacho heads the Africa practice and is also a name to note, along with John Balsdon. Chirag Sanghrajka was recently promoted to partner.

Norton Rose Fulbright has been advising on five different financings in connection with the Southern Gas Corridor project, including three financings for the Shah Deniz gas field and a financing in connection with the pipeline for a total of approximately $2.5bn. Other highlights for Rob Marsh's multi-disciplinary oil and gas team pertain to its enviable work in the fields of energy disputes, LNG-to-power and strategic M&A. The team also includes Nick Prowse, who has extensive upstream and downstream experience.

White & Case LLP's oil and gas offering in London bolstered its senior ranks through the promotion to counsel of Meredith Campanale, Adrian Lawrence and Catherine Andrews, and the promotion to partner of Kamilla Azamat. The full-service team is led by Philip Stopford and recently advised Energean on its London IPO - one of many pace-setting mandates in the market. On the contentious side, Mark Clarke has extensive experience in complex disputes in a wide range of jurisdictions. The firm's outstanding client roster includes major integrated oil and gas companies, independent exploration and production (E&P) companies, NOCs, private equity funds, and oilfield service companies, among others.

Akin Gump LLP has a full-service oil and gas practice which includes a leading restructuring team. The contentious facet was recently strengthened by the arrival of Julian Nichol from Bracewell (UK) LLP and is currently acting in a number of high-stakes disputes, such as defending Russian energy conglomerate Renova in $1bn BVI litigation concerning the ownership of Russia’s largest power generation business. Justin Williams has particular expertise in complex, high-value international arbitrations. Marc Hammerson recently moved to Stephenson Harwood.

The multi-disciplinary energy, mining and infrastructure team at Baker McKenzie covers corporate M&A, project development, project finance and dispute resolution, but also complementary areas such as tax and structuring, trade and compliance, cyber security, and regulatory and environmental law, among others. In recent highlights, the group advised Shell's New Energies division on its agreements to acquire 100% of sonnen, the German battery manufacturer and leader in smart energy storage systems for households. Key contacts include Richard Blunt, who specialises in M&A, joint ventures, private equity and project development, and Susannah Davies. Kathy Honeywood and Christopher Jones joined the team from Clifford Chance LLP and the European Commission respectively.

Bracewell (UK) LLP has a traditional and well-established strength in the transactional space of the oil and gas sector, which is complemented by its  growing dispute resolution sub-team. Recently, the firm has been actively involved in the private equity space, as demonstrated by its advice to the Carlyle Energy Fund and CVC Capital on a $2bn reserve-based lending facility to support the acquisition by Neptune Energy of a global oil and gas portfolio from Engie. Upstream sector specialist Jason Fox leads the team, while Adam Blythe has expertise in African and cross-border transactions. Oliver Irwin joined the firm from Milbank to strengthen the financing offering and Nina Howell arrived as a partner from Bracewell (UK) LLP.

Clyde & Co LLP has significant expertise in major oil and gas disputes, significant corporate and commercial transactions, offshore energy matters, and risk management in emerging markets. High-profile clients such as Total and Chevron entrust their marine, regulatory, health and safety, insurance, projects, construction and employment issues to the team, which is jointly led by Guildford-based David Bennet and Michael Wachtel. On the contentious side, David Leckie is the name to note.

With the arrival of Arun Velusami from Norton Rose Fulbright, Hogan Lovells International LLP added a wide range of projects and mandates in the emerging markets of Africa to its caseload. This facet of the practice now sits alongside the firm's well-established domestic UK offering. Well-known for its full-service practice, Ben Sulaiman's team continues to act for the Shah Deniz consortium as project counsel on the landmark pipeline project. On the contentious front, energy dispute specialist Ben Hornan was recently appointed to the partnership. Richard Tyler departed the firm and Steven Bryan joined Paul Hastings LLP.

Milbank's London-based energy and natural resources team works with lenders and other financial institutions, private equity and hedge funds, energy companies, other sponsors and developers, and government institutions on their highest-profile energy and natural resources mandates, both at home and abroad. Matthew Hagopian and Manzer Ijaz jointly head the oil and gas team with particular expertise in project development and financing.

The full-service offering at Pinsent Masons LLP has significant expertise in foreign jurisdictions and has developed particular strength in North Sea infrastructure deals as well as the decommissioning of oil and gas assets. The team also has notable capabilities in the fields of restructuring, dispute resolution, capital markets and regulation. Aberdeen-based Bob Ruddiman leads the firm's global oil and gas team. In London, Paul McGoldrick is the key contact; he has extensive experience in upstream joint ventures, project development, corporate matters, and asset acquisitions and disposals.

The oil and gas team at Shearman & Sterling LLP advises NOCs and IOCs, governments, investors and financial institutions on the entire oil and gas value chain. The practice handles matters in the sector ranging from project finance and M&A to litigation and international arbitration. Project development and financing specialist Iain Elder leads the team, which was bolstered by the arrival of Timothy Sheddick and Katie Hicks from Baker McKenzie and counsel Lachlan Poustie from Allen & Overy LLP.

Iain Duncan's team at Simmons & Simmons is particularly known for its experience in the midstream sector, where it regularly advises on the development and financing of LNG projects, bulk storage terminals and international pipeline projects. Clients include international energy companies, developers, governments and financial institutions. Adrian Nizzola has particular expertise in matters in the Middle East, while Patrick Wallace regularly advises on high-profile, politically sensitive matters, and has extensive experience in Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and Asia.

Along with complex and high-profile M&A transactions, project development, financings and disputes, Vinson & Elkins RLLP's energy lawyers also advise on the day-to-day contractual, commercial and regulatory aspects of the industry. The team, led by Alex Msimang and Nabil Khodadad, is especially strong in the international upstream transactional space. In recent highlights, the firm advised on the issuance of three high-value energy company high-yield bonds for Neptune Energy, Aker BP and Tullow Oil, respectively.

The energy lawyers at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP specialise in acquisitions and disposals, delivering projects, raising funds and resolving problems in the most sensitive and challenging markets. Recent work highlights include divestments and restructuring of upstream assets for Shell, CNOOC and NIOC, joint-venturing for Shell and Gunvor, and project development of LNG terminals for LNG Canada and New Caledonia. Also notable is the firm's energy disputes practice. The team led by Robert Pitcher and Jubilee Easo was recently joined by construction expert Jessica Neuberger from Ashurst. Conrad Purcell departed to Bird & Bird LLP.

The main pillar of Fieldfisher's oil and gas practice is private M&A and field development, but the team also advises its diverse client base on matters pertaining to capital markets and commodity transportation and sales. Practice co-head Matthew Williams and regulatory expert Elisabeth Blundson recently joined from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP. Currently the group is advising President Energy on the development of fields in Argentina and Paraguay, and Echo Energy on the development of its oil and gas concessions in Argentina. On the contentious front, the firm covers a broad range of disputes relating to contractual issues, projects, technical and construction matters, corporate and shareholder issues, and trade and distribution.

The oil and gas offering at Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP recently underwent significant expansion through the arrival of Mark Johnson from Reed Smith LLP, Anna Nerush from Addleshaw Goddard and Myles Mantle from Jones Day. The team, led by Glenn Kangisser, advises oil field operators, contractors, suppliers and insurers on a range of contracts and disputes relating to the procurement of offshore equipment, including seismic vessels, drilling rigs, and ships (among them diving and other offshore support vessels). The firm is also noted for its substantial LNG capabilities. Australia-qualified associate Phoebe Anderson specialises in offshore E&P projects.

Ince fields a global team from London under the leadership of Simon Hems. While traditionally strong on the contentious front, the firm recently expanded its transactional side through its merger with Gordon Dadds. This union increased the team's litigation, corporate and employment expertise, as well as adding a range of complementary services in areas such as tax, private wealth and immigration. The team's main areas of expertise in the oil and gas space lie in floating production and storage matters as well as decommissioning mandates, especially in the North Sea, for its contractor-heavy client roster. Anna Macdonald was recently promoted to the partnership.

From London, King & Spalding LLP advises on major LNG export and import projects around the world, including Anadarko’s Mozambique project. The team also covers a diverse range of M&A, corporate and project development work in the upstream sector, including production sharing contracts and licences, joint operating agreements, and gas transportation and sales agreements. In recent highlights, Martin Hunt and his team advised Sierra Oil & Gas on the first major upstream corporate deal in Mexico since the energy reforms of 2014. Also notable is the team's dispute resolution offering, which has a particular emphasis on commercial and investor-state arbitration within the sector. Nina Howell moved to Bracewell (UK) LLP and Gary Pegg retired from the profession.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP's London-based energy and infrastructure team has recently made several significant hires, including private equity specialist Paul Doris from Watson Farley & Williams LLP and international arbitration expert Mark Beeley from Vinson & Elkins RLLP; practice head James Atkin also joined the firm's Tokyo office in 2018 before relocating to London in 2019. The firm has also added some notable new clients, such as ExxonMobil and BW Offshore, to its already diverse roster. Other key contacts in the team are of counsel Joanna Kay, who specialises in international transactions, and senior associate Rebecca Downes. Matthew Williams departed to Fieldfisher and Peter Roberts retired from the profession.

Some of Slaughter and May's most notable recent work in the oil and gas sector includes advising Ensco on its proposed $12bn merger with Rowan, and assisting Maersk Oil with its $8.1bn acquisition by Total. Along with high-value, strategic corporate transactions, the team also handles high-profile and 'bet the farm' disputes pertaining to commercial contracts, international arbitration enforcement and allegations of corruption and white-collar law breaches. Hywel Davies, who is described by clients as 'one of the top two or three commercial lawyers in the City', leads the practice.

The transactional and disputes lawyers at Stephenson Harwood have a strong focus on sub-Saharan African oil and gas mandates, ranging from advising on investments, sales, storage, delivery and long-term contracts to litigation. On the transactional side, the team is particularly active in private and public M&A and fundraising. The client roster consists mainly of independent E&P companies. Marc Hammerson recently re-joined the firm from Akin Gump LLP .

Winston & Strawn LLP is especially strong in the corporate, financing and project development matters, and recently expanded its presence in the petrochemical space. The team has continued to be particularly active in the LNG field, where it acts for sponsors and other entities across the world. The practice is jointly led by James Simpson, who has extensive experience advising on international transactions in the oil and gas sector, and Zoë Ashcroft, who is noted for her expertise in transactions in emerging markets (particularly Sub-Saharan Africa). Jason Parker was recently promoted to the partnership.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP continued to expand its presence in the oil and gas sector throughout 2018 with a number of key client gains and the opening of an office in Houston. Recently, the group has been active on the supplier side of the market, where it is advising Ovo on its purchase of Spark Energy Limited and the associated supplier of last resort process. Of particular note was the firm's work for Serica on its acquisition of interests in the Bruce and Keith fields from BP, Total, BHP and Marubeni and BP's interest in the Rhum field.

The energy and utilities lawyers at Addleshaw Goddard have recently handled a number of significant transactions in the oil and gas space across a number of jurisdictions. The full-service offering covers the acquisition, divestiture, structuring, development and financing of oil and gas assets across the entire energy value chain, including upstream, midstream and downstream. In recent highlights, the group advised BP on its investment in solar developer Lightsource. In London, the main name to note is Guy Winter, while Richard Goodfellow and John Emerton are based in the Leeds office. Anna Nerush recently joined Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP.

Oil and gas is a fast-growing sub-group of Bird & Bird LLP's wider energy and utilities practice. While the group covers the full gamut of sector matters, including M&A and equity capital markets, it is most renowned for its expertise in intellectual property and dispute resolution issues. The team's clients include oil and gas majors, IOCs and NOCs, and E&P companies. Matt Bonass and capital markets specialists Clive Hopewell and Nick Heap lead the team. Andrew Renton left the firm to start his own practice but maintains a consultant role.

Ana Stanic leads the practice at boutique firm E&A Law Limited, which handles matters including upstream oil and gas issues, EU energy regulations, and investment treaty and commercial arbitration in the sector. Clients include energy companies, states and international financial institutions. The team has particular experience in South East Europe and the CIS. The addition of Maurice Sheridan from Matrix Chambers further strengthens the firm's EU, environmental and energy law offering.

The energy and natural resources team at Fladgate LLP covers a wide range of legal disciplines, including commercial contracts, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, construction and engineering contracts, and projects. The group has particular experience in Africa and Eastern Europe. The firm has continued to expand its capabilities with the recent addition of Sandra Bates from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP to the partnership and TransGlobe Energy to its client roster. Practice co-heads Paul Airley and Nigel Gordon are capital market specialists.

Kerman & Co acts for companies involved in transactions in a large number of jurisdictions across the world, particularly in Africa and Asia. Peter Kohl's group has a strong reputation in the oil and gas sector, particularly in emerging markets, where it represents both private and public sector clients. Una Deretic, Joan Yu and experienced litigator John Evans are also key names to note.

Mayer Brown International LLP is best known for its cross-border M&A and fundraising capabilities in the oil and gas upstream sector. The team handles both public and private M&A and debt and equity fundraising, as well as M&A within the refining space. Also notable is the firm's track record in the fields of dispute resolution, environmental, regulatory and legislative matters across all segments of the industry. Robert Hamill, who has notable expertise in acting for listed companies, leads the team, which was strengthened by the arrival of Bob Palmer, the former head of the energy, projects and construction team at CMS. Chris Fellowes recently retired from the profession.

Corporate expert Lisa O’Neill and counsel Elisabeth Moseley are the key contacts in McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP's oil and gas team. The pair previously advised Petrobras on the sale of its interests in Block BC-10 in the Campos Basin, Brazil, for $1.54bn, and handled the €5bn divestment of the majority of Praxair’s businesses in Europe to Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation.

The practice at Memery Crystal LLP has a strong international focus, significant cross-border transactional experience and a strong reputation for equity capital markets work, particularly in the natural resources and technology sectors. A particular recent focus of the firm has been on the secondary UK Main Market listing for overseas resource companies, providing them with a platform to access London’s liquidity and deep capital markets. This has led to several client gains such as MOD Resources, Danakali, Pure Gold and Alio. Firm CEO Nick Davis leads the practice.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP's team represents sponsors, lenders, governments and private equity investors across the downstream, midstream and upstream oil and gas sectors in a wide range of corporate matters. Stephen Walters advises on public and private mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity and other equity financing transactions, while Bruce Johnston handles energy and infrastructure transactions, workouts and restructurings.

The oil and gas team at Shepherd and Wedderburn is led from Edinburgh by Stephen Trombala and best known for its work for British independent exploration and production companies in worldwide M&A and capital markets transactions. The firm's client roster also includes investment banks and sponsors seeking advice with regards to upstream oil and gas matters. Tom Swan advises on regulatory, licensing and procurement issues, among others.

Squire Patton Boggs has primarily been active on the contentious front under the leadership of Ben Holland, who recently represented Overgas Inc. AD of Bulgaria in its claim against Gazprom Export of Russia in relation to EU competition law violations caused by the cutting off of gas. However, the team also regularly advises on M&A, regulatory and infrastructure matters. The firm recently welcomed Sub-Saharan Africa infrastructure partner Peter Wright from Simmons & Simmons to its broader energy team.

The London office of Wikborg Rein, Norway's only international firm, focuses on energy, offshore and shipping. The oil and gas team is particularly strong in the LNG and FLNG space where it covers projects, finance, shipping and trade. The group led by Chris Grieveson recently welcomed Jonathan Goldfarb, Renaud Barbier-Emery and senior lawyer Ina Lutchmiah from Ince, and dispute resolution expert Shawn Kirby was recently promoted to the partnership.